Today, the Vietnam U23 team will play in the semi-finals of the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship against China U23. This is a match eagerly awaited by football fans in both countries as well as across Asia. In recent years, the Vietnam U23 team has held the advantage, winning 2, drawing 1, and losing 1 in their last 4 matches against China U23.
Before the match, a reporter from Dan Tri newspaper interviewed veteran English coach Steve Darby about the chances of the Vietnam U23 team. Mr. Darby has worked in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia) for many years, so he has a deep understanding of Vietnamese and regional football.
Vietnam U23 showed their effectiveness by winning against UAE U23 (Photo: AFC).
Vietnam U23 can confidently defeat China U23.
Vietnam U23 defeated UAE U23 to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Championship, where they will face China U23. Do you believe that Coach Kim Sang Sik's team has the ability to reach the final of the tournament, just like in 2018?
- I believe that in top-level football, winning is always the number one priority for every team. The Vietnam U23 team showed great effectiveness in their match against the UAE U23 team. They deserve praise. I believe this team is fully capable of defeating China U23 in the semi-finals.
We all saw that the Vietnam U23 team had superior physical fitness compared to the UAE U23 team in the latter part of the second half and extra time. This was surprising because the opponent had many players of African origin. Do you think physical fitness was the key factor that helped Coach Kim Sang Sik's team win?
- Looking at just one match, it's difficult to say that physical fitness is the key factor. Victory can come from tactics, the players' attitude, and sometimes luck. At this level, most teams have similar levels of physical fitness.
My main concern is how well the Vietnam U23 team is recovering after the incredibly intense 120 minutes against the UAE U23 team, including hydration, nutrition, massage, and especially proper sleep. Adequate rest and recovery will be crucial for their next match against China U23.
Dinh Bac is an important player for the Vietnam U23 team (Photo: Hanoi Police Club).
Dinh Bac is currently a standout player for the Vietnam U23 team at the Asian U23 Championship. Whether playing as a starter or a substitute, the number 7 player knows how to make a difference. How do you assess the potential of this star currently playing for Hanoi Police FC?
- Scoring goals is considered the hardest job in football, and that's why strikers receive the highest salaries and the biggest transfer fees. Therefore, Dinh Bac needs to be highly valued.
I understand that he was once released by a youth academy because he was too small. This shows that the club didn't really recognize the player's potential. I've never heard anyone say Messi or Maradona were too small.
What worries me is that he's only played around 40 games in the last four years for his clubs. That's not enough. He needs to play more, and I hope he doesn't have to sit on the bench while an average foreign striker gets to start.
Or Dinh Bac should also consider moving to a higher-level league like South Korea or Japan. That would be very good for his talent development.
Discipline is a crucial factor for the Vietnam U23 team.
The Vietnam U23 team always prioritizes efficiency. However, in the match against the UAE U23 team, Coach Kim Sang Sik's team conceded two goals, both from headers. Is this a weakness that the whole team needs to address before the match against China U23, sir?
- An analysis should always be based on multiple matches, not just one. Goals conceded can come from individual errors by defenders, moments of brilliance from strikers, or from set pieces.
Vietnam U23 needs to maintain discipline and prevent China U23 from getting close to the penalty area (Photo: AFC).
The fundamental principles must always be applied. These include discipline by avoiding unnecessary fouls and courage in blocking shots and crosses. If a team can keep possession away from the penalty area, they will significantly reduce the number of goals conceded. Therefore, the Vietnam U23 team needs to understand these rules in their match against China U23.
Many believe that the Vietnam U23 team has matured significantly in terms of mental fortitude. The team has repeatedly faced difficult situations but has always excelled at overcoming them. The match against the UAE U23 team is a prime example. Could it be that Coach Kim Sang Sik's team has grown stronger and is no longer afraid to face strong teams in Asia?
- I think so. This has been measured by results and discipline both on and off the field. The results show that the Vietnam U23 team is becoming increasingly stable at the highest level. A lot of hard work has paid off. This is a team worth watching.
Thank you for the conversation!
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/steve-darby-u23-viet-nam-biet-cach-chien-thang-u23-trung-quoc-20260119234019608.htm
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